Session
Organizer 1: Ibrahim-Kano Jibril , African Union - African Peer Review Mechanism
Speaker 1: H.E. Amara Kallon, Government, African group, Republic of Sierra Leone, Male
Speaker 2: H.E. Selma Bakhta Mansouri, Government, African group, People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Female
Speaker 3: H.E. Ambassador Mboti, Government, African group, Republic of Namibia, Male
Speaker 4: Amb. Nasir Aminu, Government, African group, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Male
Speaker 5: H.E. Amb. Marie-Antoinette Rose Quatre, Intergovernmental organization, Republic of South Africa, Female
Speaker 6: Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Government, African group, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Male
Speaker 7: Dr. Vincent Olatunji, Government, African group, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Male
Speaker 8: Dr. Vasu Gounden, Civil Society, African group, Republic of South Africa, Male
Speaker 9: Dr. Jean Phillipo, Government, African group, Republic of Malawi, Female
Speaker 10: Dr. Alfons Witbeen, Government, African group, Republic of Namibia, Male
Speaker 11: Cristina Duarte, Intergovernmental organization, United States, Female
Speaker 12: Mike Ogbalu III, Intergovernmental organization, Arab Republic of Egypt
Speaker 13: Magalie Anderson, Intergovernmental organization, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia,
Speaker 14: Amb. Salah Siddig Hammad, Intergovernmental organization, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Male
Speaker 15: Jide Okeke, Intergovernmental organization, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Male
Speaker 16: Uyoyo Edosio, Intergovernmental organization, Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, Female
Speaker 17: Mr Nduka Obaigbena, Private Sector, African group, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Male
Speaker 18: Ms Mercy Ndegwa, Private Sector, African group, Africa / Dubai, Female
Speaker 19: Mr Adeyinka Adeyemi, Private Sector, African group, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Male
Speaker 20: Prof Ezrah Aharone, Civil Society, Western European and Other Groups (WEOG), United States, Male
Speaker 21: Jonathan Caldwell, Private Sector, Western European and Other Groups (WEOG), Saudi Arabia, Male,
Speaker 22: Hamid Khayar Oumar Defallah, Civil Society, African group, Chad, Male
Speaker 23: Arushi Goel, Private Sector, UAE, Female
Speaker 24: Prof Chris Gibbons M.D., M.P.H., Civil Society, Western European and Other Groups (WEOG), United States, Male Moderator / Speakers
Speaker 25: Prof Elvis Avenyo, Government, African group, Republic of South Africa, Male
Speaker 26, Prof. Jon Foster-Pedley, Private Sector, African group, Republic of South Africa, Male
Speaker 27: Aminu Zainab, Civil Society, African group, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Female
Speaker 28: Deniz Susar, Intergovernmental organization, United States, Male
Moderator 1: Alicia Clarke, Civil Society, Western European and Other Groups (WEOG), United States, Female
Moderator 2: Dr Nomalanga Mashinini, Government, African group, Republic of South Africa, Female
Moderator 3: Prof. Desmond Oriakhogba, Government, African group, Republic of South Africa, Male
Moderator 4: Dahlia N'Goulakia, Intergovernmental organization, Republic of South Africa, Female
Rapporteur: Emmanuel Merissa, Intergovernmental organization, Republic of South Africa, Male
Online Moderator: Jibril Ibrahim-Kano, Intergovernmental organization, Republic of South Africa, Male
Ibrahim-Kano Jibril , Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization
Ibrahim-Kano Jibril , Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization
Ibrahim-Kano Jibril , Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization
Classroom
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: Firstly, the classroom layout ensures that all participants have a clear view of the presentation slides and presenters at the podium. This setup promotes engagement and interaction, allowing for effective knowledge sharing and discussion of complex topics such as the impacts of new and emerging digital technologies on governance in Africa. Moreover, the 90-minute duration provides sufficient time to delve into the subject matter in a meaningful way while ensuring that the meeting remains focused and productive. The topic is of utmost importance to Africa, a continent grappling with significant development challenges. As one of the least developed regions globally, Africa stands to benefit greatly from discussions on digital governance, which can help address existing inequalities and foster inclusive growth.
How can African nations integrate technology into governance to foster stability and development? What are the implications of rapid technological advancements on governance in Africa, and how can these challenges be mitigated? How can the digital divide be bridged to ensure equitable access to technology? What strategies are needed to address risks like data exploitation and cybercrime while maximizing technology benefits? How can digital governance prioritize inclusion, equality, and sustainability while upholding human rights and peace? What policies and capacity-building efforts are necessary to promote effective governance in the digital age?
What will participants gain from attending this session? The session offer a unique opportunity to gain insights and deepen understanding of technology's impact on governance, human rights, peace, and security in Africa. By synthesizing these insights and developing recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders, the APRM can contribute to responsible and effective governance in the digital age, promoting human rights and ensuring peace and security. The focus will be on policy and regulatory recommendations for promoting digital technology adoption while mitigating governance risks and safeguarding human rights, peace, and security. Additionally, it will serve as a platform for networking and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for digital governance in Africa. Through this collaborative approach, experts, policymakers, civil societies, media, academia, and other stakeholders will cultivate a shared understanding of technology's advantages, opportunities, and risks in Africa, emphasizing principles of inclusion, equality, ownership, sustainability, human rights, peace, and security.
Description:
The session offers African Member States a distinctive opportunity to collectively shape a unified agenda for leveraging technology ethically and in line with human rights principles. Rapid technological advancements raise concerns about their potential disruption to governance, and inversely, how global governance changes may impact technology. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related emerging technologies like nanotechnology and biotechnology are rapidly reshaping the global landscape, bringing complex issues at the intersection of technical, ethical, political, legal, and economic domains. Digitalization's impact on Africa's political systems and economies varies, with new technologies offering growth opportunities but hindered by infrastructure deficiencies, low digital literacy, and socioeconomic challenges. Addressing Africa's vulnerability to data exploitation and limited capacity to influence technical advancements and global legal frameworks, the initiative focuses on assessing technology's implications in political, social, cultural, economic, and ethical aspects within the region. Digital technologies in Africa can worsen existing inequalities while providing inclusive development opportunities. Inequalities span gender, race, geography, and socio-economic factors, extending to education, healthcare, employment, and living conditions. Digital divides further amplify disparities, particularly affecting marginalized groups like informal workers and youth facing high unemployment rates. Some nations strategically leverage AI and innovations for national development, while others risk marginalization due to passive roles in data governance. The meeting aims to address these challenges, fostering equitable technological development and meaningful participation in decision-making processes.
Expected Outcomes: 1. Establishment of a networking platform for policymakers, civil society, academics, and stakeholders to develop a vibrant ecosystem for digital governance. 2. Increased awareness of new digital technology's impacts on governance in Africa. 3. Strengthened coordination among APRM Member States in developing frameworks for digital technology adoption. 4. Enhanced cooperation between global institutions for shaping digital governance frameworks. Specific Outputs: 1. A comprehensive report with policy recommendations from workshops. 2. A policy brief for promoting responsible governance in the digital age. 3. Podcasts / videocasts, and TV interviews to advocate for digital technology's impacts on governance.
Hybrid Format: The APRM will facilitate interaction between onsite and online participants through Zoom for smooth integration. An APRM staff member will moderate the onsite session, while another staff member, working in coordination with the main moderator, will manage online discussions, breakout sessions, polls, and Q&A, ensuring equal participation. Clear instructions and technical assistance will be provided to online attendees by the online moderator in collaboration with the main moderator. Additionally, to boost interaction and manage time effectively, we'll utilize the Zoom timer feature. Supplementary tools such as Slido or Mentimeter will be used for real-time polling and question submission, along with Microsoft OneNote or Word for collaborative note-taking.
Report
APRM and other AU organs/agencies, in collaboration with the African Union Member States, should develop ethical standards and governance frameworks that promote transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. Strengthening digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and literacy programs, with progress reviewed annually over the next two years.
The APRM, in collaboration with AU Member States, civil society, and academia, should conduct a study on how technology influences electoral processes and public opinion. The findings should be presented to the APR Forum and AU Assembly for peer review and decision-making, with implementation of recommendations starting within two years of completion
The APRM, supported by other AU organs and/or agencies should promote regional cooperation by harmonizing policies, establishing cross-border regulatory frameworks, and sharing best practices. A continental e-governance framework should be developed within 18 months to support inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.
AUC,APRM and other relevant AU organs/agencies, in collaboration with African Member States, should establish a continent-wide Data Protection Authority within 18 months to enforce ethical technology use, protect digital rights and build trust in governance. Regional cooperation must also be strengthened to harmonize policies, develop regulatory frameworks, and promote ethical digital transformation while balancing innovation with accountability.
African governments, supported by the private sector and civil society, must invest in digital infrastructure, education and literacy programs to close the digital divide and enable inclusive governance. Efforts over the next two years should focus on empowering citizens through capacity-building programs and engaging marginalized group including women, youth, and persons with disabilities to ensure equitable participation in digital governance
FUTURE OF GOVERNANCE IN AFRICA
(Exploring the nexus between governance and technology)
18 December 2024
Riyadh,
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
SESSION REPORT
Opening Session Summary:
The opening session set the stage for a robust exploration of Africa's governance future, focusing on the convergence of technology and governance. It delved into innovative governance strategies tailored to the African context, underscoring the transformative power of digital technologies in overcoming governance challenges and unlocking the continent's vast potential.
Objective:
The objective of the workshop was to develop strategies for leveraging digital technologies to enhance governance, address challenges posed by emerging technologies, and create inclusive systems that empower marginalized communities.
In his welcoming remarks, Hon. Ammar Hadjar, Representative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Algeria and Chairperson of the APR Committee of Focal Points, emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to bridge the digital divide and ensure that marginalized communities benefit from technological advancements.
In his keynote address, H.E. Ambassador Aminu Nasir, Nigerian Ambassador to the African Union, stressed the importance of digital leadership and commended Nigeria’s progress in digital governance. He praised Nigeria’s ratification of the Malabo Convention and its efforts in protecting digital rights. Ambassador Nasir advocated for the establishment of a continent-wide Data Protection Authority to standardize and enforce data protection measures across Africa.
UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa, Mrs. Cristina Duarte, emphasized the necessity of consistent investment in digital public infrastructure. She noted that digital transformation is not merely a policy option but a prerequisite for sustainable development. Mrs. Duarte urged stakeholders to rethink policymaking with a focus on sustainable finance models, governance reforms, and peacebuilding. She highlighted the importance of addressing Africa's governance challenges before prioritizing technological solutions, emphasizing the need for strong state institutions and sustainable development to harness technology effectively.
Amb. Salah Siddig Hammad, Head of the African Governance Architecture (AGA) Secretariat at the African Union, spoke about governance challenges in Africa, including conflict and inadequate infrastructure. He emphasized that technology alone cannot resolve these issues without political will, reliable infrastructure, and effective orientation processes. Amb. Hammad also stressed the importance of balancing internet access with responsible usage and strengthening national early warning systems to integrate them into continental frameworks.
In her opening remarks, H.E. Amb. Marie-Antoinette Rose Quatre, CEO of APRM, underscored the importance of ethical and inclusive technology in governance. She stated, “Technology is not just a tool, it is the bridge that connects dreams to reality.” She further emphasized that without ethics, inclusivity, and accountability, technology could deepen inequalities and undermine trust. Amb. Quatre called for bold and transformative action to ensure technology strengthens governance, highlighting APRM’s role in leading e-governance capacity-building initiatives.
The session showcased best practices from APRM participating states, notably Nigeria’s commitment to digital governance and its ratification of the Malabo Convention, which serves as a model for strengthening cybersecurity frameworks and promoting inclusive governance.
Key Takeaways from the Opening Session:
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Reliance on indigenous technologies and mainstreaming digital tools in governance processes to address gaps.
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APRM’s role in ensuring technology fosters good governance, economic prosperity, and sustainable development.
Session One: Influence of Digital Transformation on Democracy and Political Governance in Africa
The Fireside Chat examined the role of technology in conflict prevention and early warning systems, addressing challenges and opportunities for governance in Africa. The discussion highlighted historical challenges such as slavery, colonialism, and civil conflicts, while acknowledging progress in elections and technology use.
Key Challenges:
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Digital divide, especially in rural areas with limited access to technology and reliable energy.
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Lack of awareness and education hindering effective use of digital tools.
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Need for strong political will to support technological initiatives and overcome societal resistance to rapid change.
The session emphasized APRM’s role in promoting governance but stressed better integration of technology at the grassroots level for improved information-sharing and conflict prevention.
Dr. Vasu Gounden, Executive Director of the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD), delivered expert insights on the critical role of cyber diplomacy in advancing Africa’s development and security objectives. He underscored the need for Africa to leverage digital tools to strengthen its autonomy, resist digital colonialism, and align technological advancements with the continent’s broader development and security goals.
Dr. Gounden emphasized the importance of establishing a unified cyber diplomacy framework, led by the African Union and APRM, to harmonize cybersecurity policies and promote regional cooperation. He highlighted the necessity of capacity-building programs to equip diplomats with skills to address cyber threats and disputes, supported by partnerships for knowledge transfer and technical expertise. Trust and accountability were also identified as essential pillars, requiring the establishment of cyber incident response frameworks and adherence to international norms to ensure transparency in Africa’s digital landscape.
Furthermore, Dr. Gounden advocated for the integration of cyber diplomacy into peacebuilding and conflict prevention efforts, including the development of early warning systems and confidence-building measures. He also emphasized the role of public-private partnerships in driving innovation and fostering inclusive, accountable policy-making.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Gounden stressed that Africa’s digital transformation depends on a cohesive cyber diplomacy strategy to enhance security, governance, and development, with the APRM positioned to play a central role in guiding this process.
Session One's Panel Discussion Overview:
The session opened with Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of NITDA, Nigeria, highlighting the country’s efforts to regulate social media. He emphasized that NITDA is strengthening social media governance through a Code of Practice aligned with Nigerian laws. This framework addresses challenges such as misinformation and harmful content by leveraging local fact-checkers to ensure contextual accuracy. Notably, platforms are mandated to report on content moderation activities, resulting in the removal of over 60 million pieces of harmful content in the past year.
The discussion further highlighted the risks that AI poses to governance and security. Ms Jimena Sofia Viveros Alvarez, CEO of iQulibriumAI, underscored the potential threats to national security, especially in the Global South, where fragile governance systems may be vulnerable to exploitation by both state and non-state actors.
To mitigate the impact of social media while promoting democratic engagement, Ms Mercy Ndegwa, Director of Public Policy at META (formerly Facebook) Africa, highlighted META’s efforts to foster responsible digital interaction. She emphasized the use of self-regulation, AI-driven tools, and partnerships with local experts to address regional and cultural nuances across Africa.
Building on the panelists' suggestions, Dr. Nomalanga Mashinini, Senior Lecturer at Wits University, stressed the importance of participatory governance. She advocated for governments to shift from a top-down communication model to a more interactive approach on social media, promoting inclusive participation and enhancing accountability.
The panel explored the impact of AI, big data, and social media on political pluralism, focusing on governance challenges such as:
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AI Risks: Threats to national security due to misuse by state and non-state actors.
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Digital Divide: Marginalized groups need protection through digital literacy programs.
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Misinformation and Cybersecurity: Addressing fake news, cyberattacks, and privacy violations.
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Promoting Democratic Engagement: Meta promotes responsible digital engagement through self-regulation, AI tools, and collaboration with local experts to address regional and cultural nuances in Africa.
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Participatory Governance: Governments should transition from a top-down communication model to a more interactive approach on social media, ensuring inclusive participation and fostering accountability.
Key Takeaways from Session One's Panel Discussion:
- Government’s efforts aim to ensure platforms adhere to local regulations, improve content moderation, and combat misinformation.
- Africa needs resilient AI governance frameworks, supported by regional and international cooperation, to manage the dual-use nature of AI technologies ethically and responsibly.
- Public-private partnerships are essential to create laws that ensure safe, inclusive, effective digital spaces and responsible platform use particularly during elections.
Session Two: Impact of Digital Transformation on Economic Governance and Resource Management in Africa
The second panel discussion focused on the influence of digital transformation on economic governance, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
H.E. Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, Minister of Information of the Republic of The Gambia, set the tone for the panel discussion by emphasizing the transformative role of digital technologies in strengthening governance, combating corruption, and enhancing public service delivery. He underscored the significance of digital transformation in advancing economic governance, highlighting key initiatives focused on improving tax collection, combating corruption, and enhancing resource management through digital economy, literacy, and identity programs.
Dr. Ceesay stressed that digital transformation is critical to improving governance, reducing corruption, and enhancing public services across Africa. He noted that digital platforms promote transparency and accountability by enabling direct engagement between citizens and governments. However, while progress is being made, challenges persist, particularly in fostering innovation and strengthening infrastructure.
The Minister highlighted the revolutionary impact of mobile technology in transforming service delivery in sectors such as education, finance, and healthcare. Despite these advancements, he acknowledged that limited access to funding for businesses and governments continues to hinder progress, underscoring the urgent need for investments in digital infrastructure and robust policy frameworks.
Furthermore, Dr. Ceesay recognized the potential of innovations such as the Internet of Things (IoT) to drive growth and efficiency. However, he cautioned that financial exclusion remains a barrier to accessing essential services. He emphasized that governments must take the lead in building inclusive digital ecosystems that not only empower citizens but also position them as active creators and contributors in the global digital economy.
Session Two's Panel Discussion Overview:
The session underscored the pivotal role of e-governance in enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability to address Africa’s economic and resource management challenges. Mr. Adeyinka Adeyemi, Director General of the Africa eGovernance Conference Initiative in Rwanda, emphasized the imperative for African nations to adopt data-driven systems and establish robust legal frameworks to support key sectors such as agriculture, education, and finance. He highlighted that with well-defined policies, Africa can unlock its digital potential and drive sustainable development.
The discussion further emphasized the importance of digitizing public services and leveraging data to position Africa as an active participant in the global digital economy. Ms. Uyoyo Edosio, Principal Innovation and Digital Expert at the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Côte d'Ivoire, stressed the need to prioritize infrastructure development, particularly high-quality networks, to support advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and data-driven services. She reiterated that digitizing public services and generating reliable data are fundamental to improving governance, enhancing service delivery, and fostering economic growth across the continent.
Additionally, the discussion underscored the importance of digitizing public services and promoting digital literacy to empower citizens and enable meaningful participation in the global economy. Regional collaboration and strategic partnerships with development agencies were also recognized as essential for accelerating shared progress and fostering an inclusive and sustainable digital transformation across Africa.
Session Two's Panel Discussion Highlights:
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Innovation in Payment Systems: Addressing cross-border payment challenges such as speed, cost and transparency.
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Infrastructure: High-quality networks needed to support AI and emerging technologies.
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Financial Inclusion: Leveraging technology to bridge gaps in funding and access to services.
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Data-Driven Systems: Enhancing efficiency and transparency through digitized public services.
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Regional Collaboration: Promoting shared progress through cooperation and development partnerships.
Session Key Takeaways:
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E-governance is critical for efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.
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Digital literacy and infrastructure development are vital for inclusive growth.
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Policies must evolve alongside technology to address emerging risks and opportunities.
Key Messages
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Technology is transforming governance in Africa by promoting transparency, inclusivity, accountability, economic growth, and sustainable development across Africa. However, its potential can only be fully harnessed if supported by ethical frameworks, digital infrastructure and policies that prioritize data protection and accountability.
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Ethical and inclusive digital governance is critical to ensure that technological advancements do not exacerbate inequality. Frameworks must be developed to protect marginalized groups, promote transparency and build trust between citizens and institutions in Africa.
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Public-private partnerships and regional collaboration are essential to close the digital divide and address governance challenges in Africa. These collaborations can foster innovation, enhance infrastructure and build the capacity needed to manage rapid technological changes.
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Investments in education, digital literacy and skills development are fundamental for digital transformation. By improving human capital, African countries can ensure that technology becomes a tool for empowerment and economic inclusion.
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The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) remains committed to guiding Africa’s governance transformation by promoting e-governance and aligning digital strategies with AU Agenda 2063, AU Continental AI strategy and AU Digital Transformation Strategy (DTS), UN SDGs and other development frameworks.
Key Insights
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Emerging digital technologies, including AI, big data, quantum computing, and automation, present transformative opportunities to strengthen conflict prevention, improve economic governance and enhance public service delivery. However, this can be achieved by addressing infrastructure gaps, ensuring equitable access and tackling challenges such as fake news, misinformation, and cybersecurity threats to promote responsible and secure usage.
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Cybersecurity and data protection frameworks are vital to establishing trust in governance systems. Safeguarding digital rights and addressing cybersecurity threats will strengthen public confidence and create secure environments for digital governance. Governments must implement Malabu convention and enforce measures to protect critical infrastructure, safeguard data privacy and prevent cybercrimes.
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The connection between technology and economic growth cannot be overstated. Africa has seen remarkable developments in its tech ecosystem, with start-ups and innovation hubs emerging across the continent. Africa’s digital economy has immense growth potential, as seen in fintech innovations and e-commerce platforms. Digital transformation can drive economic growth, financial inclusion and macroeconomic stability by integrating Africa into global markets. Leveraging innovation and emerging technologies will position Africa as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
Lessons Learnt
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Limited infrastructure, low digital literacy rates and unequal access to digital technologies in Africa, especially in rural areas, continue to hinder the adoption of e-governance and inclusive development. Addressing these gaps is essential to fully harness the benefits of digital transformation. This requires investments in connectivity, education and inclusive policies.
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Cyber diplomacy has become a key tool for building trust, resolving disputes, and strengthening governance systems. Establishing regional frameworks for cyber diplomacy can enhance Africa’s resilience to cyber threats and support peacebuilding efforts.
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Nigeria’s commitment to digital governance highlights the importance of national leadership in driving data protection and inclusion. Nigeria’s ratification of the Malabo Convention serves as a model for other nations to strengthen their cybersecurity frameworks and promote inclusive governance.
Next Steps
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Policy recommendations should be developed to integrate technology into governance systems while addressing challenges related to cybersecurity, AI ethics, and data protection.
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Expand APRM e-Governance capacity-building programs to equip policymakers, law enforcement, and citizens with the skills needed to adapt to digital transformation. Training initiatives should prioritize digital literacy and technical expertise to foster inclusive development.
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Strengthen APRM-led digital governance initiatives by scaling up e-governance projects and supporting member states in adopting innovative technologies. APRM and other key stakeholders will lead regional efforts to harmonize standards and best practices.
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APRM to establish monitoring mechanisms to assess the impact of digital transformation on governance and socio-economic development. Progress and impact should be closely monitored to evaluate the outcomes of e-governance initiatives by establishing clear benchmarks and performance indicators which will guide future efforts toward sustainable governance reforms.